Thailand has decided to mix two COVID-19 jabs together in order to provide better immunity to its citizens. However, they have decided to mix the first dose of the Sinovac vaccine with the second of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Thailand Decides to Mix Two COVID-19 Jabs for Better Immunity
Although Thailand has decided to mix two COVID-19 shots, the WHO experts have warned the country against it. However, the Asian country defended itself saying that mixing two shots will provide better immunity. The kingdom is dealing with an extensive surge in daily cases due to the Delta variant. Moreover, their healthcare system has poorly collapsed and they are ready to try every possible means to curb the virus spread.
Top Health Experts Issue Warning Against this Evidence-Free Method
WHO’s top scientists have warned Thailand against this mix and match procedure. They said that this process is raw and is there is no evidence that proves its worth. Soumya Swaminathan, the WHO’s top expert called this method a “dangerous trend”. Moreover, she claimed that there is no evidence and no data to justify this process. Henceforth, it is quite dangerous to come up with a solution like this.
What did the Country Say in its Defense?
Defending itself, Thailand stated that this process will boost an individual’s immunity system. They have decided to mix the first shot of China’s Sinovac vaccine with the second dose of AstraZeneca’s vaccine. However, the country’s chief virologist, Yong Poovorawan said that this process is resourceful. Besides that, he said that it is possible to mix an inactivated virus vaccine (Sinovac) with a viral vector vaccine (AstraZeneca). Moreover, they have even changed the time period between two doses from 12 weeks to 6 weeks. So, this is their strategy to combat the virus at the present moment. Poovorawan also said that if better vaccines are developed in the future, they will find another way to tackle the situation.
COVID-19 Situation in Thailand
So, far Thailand has reported 353,700 COVID-19 cases and 2,847 deaths. The government has implemented strict restrictions in nine cities including Bangkok. However, the healthcare workers were the first in the country to receive Sinovac vaccines. But, most of them got infected even after getting inoculated. Therefore, the authorities have decided to adopt the mix and match strategy. Besides that, the government has executed night curfews in several cities to curb the virus spread.
